Tennis - Brisbane 2024 -
Rafael Nadal’s fitness let him down on Wednesday as the Spaniard withdrew a day before his opening match at the Indian Wells Masters.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement that he was unprepared to take to the court on Thursday against Canadian Milos Raonic.
The withdrawal landed just four days after the 37-year-old lost a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot young gun Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells,” Nadal said.
“That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.
“I’ve been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend (the Alcaraz exhibition).
“I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event. It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans.”
Nadal missed almost all of the 2023 season after exiting the Australian Open.
He made a return last January in Brisbane, but was defeated in the quarter-finals by Australian Jordan Thompson.
The veteran has suffered with the abdominal and foot problems which have kept him off court.
Iga Swiatek stands one Saturday win away from completing the Madrid-Rome clay trophy double after…
Tommy Paul outlasted seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-5, 3-6,6-3 on Thursday, winning a quarter-final thriller…
Alexander Zverev shook off the effects of an early-stage tumble which required medical intervention to beat…
Aryna Sabalenka faced little opposition as she ignored a nagging lower back issue to earn a…
Andy Murray will make a return to the Stuttgart grass next month, two years after…
Stefanos Tsitaipas spent an hour in matching Alex de Minaur move for move to deliver…